A GUNMAN who threatened a group of teens in a town centre bedsit before stealing some clothing is being hunted by detectives.

The man climbed on to a porch at the back of a house in Rolleston Street before pointing a silver pistol through the first floor window at a group of frightened teenagers inside.

He reached into the house, took an item of clothing, then fled down Leighfield Close towards Eastcott Hill at 9.50pm on Tuesday.

Police arrived at the scene within minutes and recovered what is believed to be a starter pistol discarded in the street close by – they would not confirm what the item of clothing was.

Detectives investigating the incident said yesterday they were puzzled by the gunman’s intentions.

Detective Constable Sally Booth said: “The man managed to stand on top of the porch and look in through the open first floor window. He did not actually enter the property.

“At the moment we are not sure of the motive behind this attack and I cannot confirm whether the man knew the victims.

“No one was injured during the incident and the group of youths are all okay, but are very shaken.

“The threat or use of weapons of any type is a very serious, but there was no evidence the gun was fired.

“It was quite quiet in the area at the time, but we are very keen to hear from anyone who saw or has heard about this incident.

“No matter how small a piece of information, please contact us as it may assist our inquiries.

“Police would like to reassure the public this is a one-off incident and is being treated as such.”

The man is described as white, in his 20s, 6ft with strawberry blond hair. He was wearing a white hoodie with the hood up and a white bandana across his face.

Anyone with information should contact DC 2238 Sally Booth at Swindon CID on 101 ext 760107 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who has concerns can contact the local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.